04/29/2025
Detention Center inmates complete programs to prepare for release
Kenneth Hall is grateful for taking classes where he realized to “point the finger at me” and see things he didn’t always see.
Neil McClanahan is grateful for self-evaluation allowing him to work through problems.
Jalen Ellison is grateful for the teachers who worked with him.
“We’re trying to be better men,” Ellison said.
They were among 24 Rutherford County Detention Center inmates who participated in classes inside the jail to improve their lives when released.
The classes were part of the Rutherford County Recovery Court’s Re-Entry program for inmates under the direction of Re-Entry Case Manager Mardriana McClure, Re-Entry counselor Jennifer Barlow and case manager David Figueroa.
McClure said the students make her proud they find fulfillment in the classes.
“I am grateful for you all,” McClure said.
Students completed classes including anger management, seek and safety, untangling relationships and Moral Reconation Therapy, an evidence-based program to decrease recidivism by increasing moral reasoning based on sound thoughts, beliefs and attitudes.
Jail Administrator Kevin Henderson said he appreciated the students for their efforts.
The programs are the beginning of the crossroads to make decision about they are actively going to do with the lessons, he said. The real indication of gratitude is doing what you’re supposed to do when no one is looking.
“It’s time for us men to accept our roles in what we call our world,” Henderson said.
He suggested they play a positive role in their families by teaching their children what to do by example.
“I challenge each of you to be a man and take responsibility,” Henderson said.
He urged the men to use their lessons learned to get a job.
“I want to see you all take the challenge and do better,” Henderson said.
Photo: From left, front row, are Re-Entry instructor David Figueroa, Re-Entry case manager Mardriana McClure, Re-Entry counselor Jennifer Barlow and Detention Capt. Curtis Little;
Second row, Jesus Mota-Alonso, Hector Silva, Juan Munoz, Michael Jalen Moore, Matthew Hudgins and Howard Spencer and Jail Administrator Kevin Henderson;
Third row: Darius Rhodes, Dequion Franklin, Joseph Maxwell, Bryan Grubbs, Jesse James Sr., Tim Kennedy and Ramon Al-Hasnawi;
Fourth row: Kenneth Hall, Michael S. Douglas, Jalen Juwan Ellison, Michael McNeese and William Malone;
Fifth row: Dillon Sweeney, Neil McClanahan, Reagan Patterson and Larry Farris.
